Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geological Sciences, B.A.


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The earth and environmental sciences encompass a wide variety of studies of our planet, including the study of its composition, structure, prehistoric life, internal and surficial processes, and history. These studies have important implications for understanding how our planet functions, as well as for understanding the interactions between humans and their environment. The discipline includes numerous applications in the discovery and use of mineral, energy, and water resources; in the protection and restoration of the environment; and in planning for the impacts of natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides, etc.) and climate change on global societal development. Students undertake the study of earth and environmental sciences in the classroom, laboratory, and field.

Students in earth and environmental sciences earn the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Geological Sciences. The B.S. program is designed for students who plan a career as a professional geologist or who plan to attend graduate school. The B.A. program is designed for students planning a career in public policy relating to earth science and environmental issues, earth-science education, business (environmental consulting), environmental law, or environmental medicine.

120 hours (minimum)

Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the Major Requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree .

UK Core Requirements


See the UK Core section of this Bulletin for the complete UK Core requirements . The courses listed below are (a) recommended by the college, or (b) required courses that also fulfill UK Core areas. Students should work closely with their advisor to complete the UK Core requirements.

I. Intellectual Inquiry in Arts and Creativity


II. Intellectual Inquiry in the Humanities


III. Intellectual Inquiry in the Social Sciences


IV. Intellectual Inquiry in the Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences


V. Composition and Communication I


VI. Composition and Communication II


VII. Quantitative Foundations


VIII. Statistical Inferential Reasoning


IX. Community, Culture and Citizenship in the USA


X. Global Dynamics


UK Core hours: 24


Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR)


Subtotal: Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement hours (GCCR): 7


College Requirements


I. Foreign Language: 0-14


(placement exam recommended)

II. Disciplinary Requirements


a. Natural Science


(completed by Major Requirements)

b. Social Science: 6


(can be partially fulfilled by Major Requirements)

c. Humanities: 6


III. Laboratory or Field Work


(completed by Premajor Requirement)

IV. Electives: 6


College Requirement hours: 18-32


Premajor Requirements


*Course used towards completion of a UK Core Requirement.

Premajor hours: 19


Major Requirements


Other Course Work Required for the Major


From the Major Department:


Elective I: 6


Choose 6 hours of EES courses at the 400+ level, not to include EES 495  or EES 496 

Elective II: 6


Choose 6 additional hours of 300+ EES or related courses

NOTE: 14 hours at the 200 level or higher must be completed outside Geological Sciences Partial fulfillment of this requirement can be completed by the PHY and EES Elective II Requirements Credit(s) 3-14

Other Major hours: 0-17


Total Minimum Hours Required for Degree: 120


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